Man Arrested After Bomb Threat at GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival

A 35-year-old man from Plymouth, Indiana is in custody after allegedly making a bomb threat at GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival over the weekend, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.

Security Detains Suspect After Stage Threat

Police were dispatched to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan on Saturday after security reported a disruptive person making threats on the festival grounds. Festival staff told deputies the man had been removed from the venue earlier in the night before returning with a black bag and making alarming statements.

The suspect allegedly placed the bag near a music stage and told security it contained a bomb. He further claimed the device had gone undetected by the event's explosive-detection dogs, according to police. When he attempted to retrieve the bag, security intervened and held him until law enforcement arrived.

No Explosives Found, Drug Charges Filed

Deputies searched the bag and found no explosive materials. They reported recovering a white powder that field-tested positive for ketamine, along with suspected LSD. The suspect was booked at the Van Buren County Jail on charges including false report of a terrorist threat, false report of a bomb threat, possession of ketamine, resisting and obstructing police officers, and criminal trespass. His name has not been released.

GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival combines motorsports with a multi-stage EDM festival at the 300-acre GingerMan Raceway, roughly a three-hour drive from Chicago or Detroit. The 2026 edition continued safely with headliners Crankdat and Tape B both performing. No injuries were reported.